Transparent flooring modules

ABSTRACT

An apparatus ( 100 ), having: at least one support frame ( 102 ) comprising an upper frame ( 104 ) and a lower frame ( 106 ) configured to nest within the upper frame; at least one transparent panel ( 108 ), one transparent panel of the at least one transparent panel sandwiched in a respective pocket ( 140 ) formed between the upper frame and the lower frame; and a pressure relief path ( 160 ) configured to direct water through the apparatus, effective to dissipate energy from a wave impacting a bottom surface ( 170 ) of the one transparent panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to transparent flooring modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Structural glass panels as part of a glass floor are known in certain applications. For example, glass floors can be found within buildings and as part of a terrace or walkway. These glass floors are considered a novelty in their own right and can further be used to provide ready access to certain downward views not otherwise easy to achieve. In the latter role, the glass panels can be found on skywalks, for example over a canyon or high on a building.

Various methods of securing the glass panels that make up the glass floor are known for these applications. These methods are relevant for the respective environment in which the glass floor is used. However, each environment has its own unique requirements. Accordingly, when used in an environment in which they have not previously been used or have been used rarely, there is room in the art for improvement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained in the following description in view of the drawings that show:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a glass panel assembly.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the glass panel assembly of FIG. 1 taken at line A-A.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the glass panel assembly of FIG. 1 taken at line B-B.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the glass panel assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternate embodiment the glass panel assembly.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of the glass panel assembly of FIG. 7 taken at line D-D.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the glass panel assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the glass panel assembly of FIG. 9 in a flexed configuration.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the glass panel assembly of FIG. 1 installed.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the glass panel assembly of FIG. 9 installed.

FIG. 14 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly.

FIG. 15 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have devised a unique and innovative glass panel assembly that can be used in a variety of environments. An embodiment of the glass panel assembly includes a pressure relief path through the glass panel assembly. The pressure relief path is suitable to reduce certain forces applied to a bottom of the glass panel assembly. For example, this embodiment is well adapted for installation over a body of water in which a wave, tide, and/or storm surge might impact the bottom of the glass panel assembly. In such cases, some of the energy from the wave is redirected through the glass panel assembly, thereby reducing the amount of energy absorbed by the glass panel. The principle is similar to that underlying a vent hole in a swim platform of a boat. Another embodiment of the glass panel assembly includes a flexible connection between multiple glass panels that enables the assembly to move in a wave motion. In the event of an extreme wave sufficient to overcome the integrity of the structure to which the glass panel assembly is secured, this feature enables the glass panel assembly to move in a wave motion. This, in turn, reduces the forces on the glass panel assembly and increases the chances it will survive the extreme wave. The principle is similar to that underlying a palm tree bending to avoid breaking during an extreme wind event.

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a glass panel assembly 100 including a support frame 102 having an upper frame 104, a lower frame 106 configured to nest within the upper frame 104, and a transparent panel 108 that is sandwiched between the upper frame 104 and the lower frame 106. The upper frame 104 includes an upper frame sidewall 120, an upper frame top wall 122, and outlets 124. The lower frame 106 includes a lower frame sidewall 126, a lower frame bottom wall 128, inlets 130 in the lower frame bottom wall 128, and intermediate openings 132 in the lower frame sidewall 126.

The upper frame 104 and the lower frame 106 may be any material known by the artisan to be suitable. Example materials include metals such as aluminum and stainless steel. The transparent panel 108 may be any material known by the artisan to be suitable. Example materials include glass and plexiglass (acrylic). In an embodiment, the transparent panel 108 is tempered glass. In an embodiment, the transparent panel 108 includes monolithic impact glass. In an embodiment, the transparent panel 108 includes at least one non-slip feature 110 such as an etching or a coating. Any coating known to the artisan is suitable. The etching may be any type of decorative etching. The glass panel assembly 100 is sufficiently strong to withstand expected conditions in an installation over water, such as the wave or an incoming tide, while also being resilient enough to flex upon the application of sufficient force.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the glass panel assembly 100 of FIG. 1 taken at line A-A. The lower frame 106 nests within the upper frame 104. The lower frame 106 and the upper frame 104 form a pocket 140 in which transparent panel 108 is disposed and sandwiched between the lower frame 106 and the upper frame 104. Also visible is a bottom gasket 142 disposed between the lower frame bottom wall 128 and a perimeter 144 of the transparent panel 108, and a lateral gasket 146 disposed between the lower frame sidewall 126 and the perimeter 144 of the transparent panel 108.

The bottom gasket 142 acts as a support, acts as a seal, permits relative movements (including mechanical and thermal), and acts as a resilient cushion to enable the transparent panel 108 to yield downward when someone steps on an upper surface 150 the transparent panel 108. The bottom gasket 142 may be any material know to the artisan, include a elastomers. In an embodiment, the bottom gasket 142 is neoprene.

The lateral gasket 146 acts as a seal, provides lateral stability, and permits relative movements (including mechanical and thermal). The lateral gasket 146 may be any material know to the artisan, include a elastomers. In an embodiment, the lateral gasket 146 is neoprene. The lateral gasket 146 may float free between the transparent panel 108 and the support frame 102 to permit the transparent panel 108 to move vertically when stepped on. Alternately, when secured to the support frame 102, the transparent panel 108 may slide along the lateral gasket 146 during the vertical movement. When secured to the transparent panel 108, the lateral gasket 146 may slide along the support frame 102 during the vertical movement.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the glass panel assembly 100 of FIG. 1 taken at line B-B. (FIG. 3 does not show background elements). The glass panel assembly 100 includes one or more pressure relief paths 160 therethrough. In the embodiment shown, the pressure relief path 160 starts at the inlet 130, passes through a gap 162 in the lateral gasket 146, through the intermediate opening 132, and then through the outlet 124 to the atmosphere. The inlet 130, the gap 162, the intermediate opening 132, and the outlet 124 align sufficiently to permit any water from below to flow through the pressure relief path 160 from the inlet 130 to the outlet 124. In an embodiment, there are plural pressure relief paths 160 disposed around a perimeter 164 of the glass panel assembly 100. This exact configuration is not necessary, so long as a pressure relief path 160 can communicate water from below the glass panel assembly 100 and past the transparent panel 108. For example, if the upper frame sidewall 120 is shorter there may be no need for the outlet 124 therein. Likewise, if the lower frame sidewall 126 is shorter there may be no need for the intermediate opening 132.

In an embodiment, the upper surface 150 of the transparent panel 108 is crowned to aid in water runoff. A bottom of the upper frame top wall 122 may include passages (not shown) to permit water on the transparent panel to drain between the transparent panel 108 and the upper frame top wall 122.

In another embodiment, a bottom surface 170 includes a feature 172 that renders the transparent panel 108 opaque from below. In an embodiment, the feature 172 renders the transparent panel 108 reflective from below. In an embodiment, the feather 172 functions to partly reduce (but not eliminate) light transmission through the transparent panel 108 (e.g. acts as a tint). The feature 172 may be a coating or a film applied to the bottom surface or may be incorporated into the transparent panel 108. A transparent panel 108 that is transparent from above but opaque or reflective from below enables an observer looking through the transparent panel 108 from above to see the marine life but prevents the marine life in its habitat from seeing the observer above. Marine life that is unable to see the observer is less likely to be spooked and flee. This, in turn, increases the likelihood the observer can experience improved viewings of the marine habitat.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the glass panel assembly 100 of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C of FIG. 3. The gap 162 in the lateral gasket 146 acts as a passage 174 within the glass panel assembly 100 for the water flowing through the pressure relief path 160.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternate embodiment the glass panel assembly 500. In this embodiment, the bottom gasket 142 is replaced by supports 502 spaced apart under the perimeter 144 of the transparent panel 108. The supports may be composed of a resilient material to enable the transparent panel 108 to yield downward. A slot inlet 504 is formed between the lower frame bottom wall 528 of the bottom frame 506 and the bottom surface 170 of the transparent panel 108. The slot inlet 504 is continuous around the perimeter 144 of the transparent panel 108 and is interrupted only by the supports 502. In this embodiment, the outlet 124 is replaced by a slot outlet 508. Having slots for inlets and outlets enables a greater volume of water to be redirected past the transparent panel 108. Inlets 130 may or may not also be present in this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly 600. In this embodiment, the pressure relief path 660 includes one or more holes 602 through the transparent panel 608 itself. Also visible is an upper frame mount 610 secured to the lower frame 102 via an upper frame mount feature 612. There may be any number of upper frame mounts 610. The upper frame mount feature 612 may be any way of mounting a frame known to the artisan. In the embodiment shown, the upper frame mount feature 612 is a flange. The upper frame mount 610 may likewise be any way of connecting the upper frame mount feature 612 to a structure 614 known to the artisan. For example, fasteners such as bolts and/or screws may be used to secure the upper frame 102 to the structure 614. The structure 614 may be, for example, framework of a dock or flooring system into which the glass panel assembly 600 is installed.

In an embodiment, the upper frame mount 610 permits movement 616 (e.g. vertical movement) of the upper frame mount 610, and hence the upper frame 102, relative to the structure 614. This movement may be in response to an upward force applied to the upper frame mount feature 612. The upward force may result from, for example, an upward force 620 being applied to the bottom of the transparent panel 608, which is then transferred to the upper frame 102 and then to the upper frame mount feature 612. The upward force may be the result of, for example a wave, surge, or tide. The vertical relative movement 616 may be enabled by a resilient member 622 of the upper frame mount 610. In an embodiment, the upper frame mount 610 includes a bolt and one or more resilient washers that compress when the upward force 620 is applied. This enables the transparent panel 608 and the upper frame 104 to yield under the upward force 620, thereby reducing stresses on the glass panel assembly 600, and then return when the upward force 620 abates. Alternate embodiments of the upper frame mount 610 include shock absorbers, similar in concept to those on a vehicle. Alternate embodiments of the resilient member 622 include flexible bolts/fasteners, or coil or leaf springs etc.

The lower frame 102 similarly includes a lower frame mount 640 secured to the lower frame 106 via a lower frame mount feature 642. There may be any number of lower frame mounts 640. The lower frame mount feature 642 may be any way of mounting a frame known to the artisan. In the embodiment shown, the lower frame mount feature 642 is a flange. The lower frame mount 640 may likewise be any way of connecting the lower frame mount feature 642 to a structure 614 known to the artisan. For example, fasteners such as bolts and/or screws may be used to secure the lower frame 102 to the structure 644. The structure 644 may be, for example, framework of a dock or flooring system into which the glass panel assembly 600 is installed.

Similar to the upper frame mount 610, in an embodiment, the lower frame mount 640 permits movement 646 (e.g. vertical movement) of the lower frame mount 640, and hence the lower frame 102, relative to the structure 644. This is accomplished using the same principles disclosed for the upper frame mount 610. This movement may be in response to an upward force applied to the lower frame mount feature 642. The upward force may result, for example, from an upward force 620 being applied to the bottom of the transparent panel 608, which is then transferred through the glass panel assembly 600 to the lower frame mount feature 642.

The vertical relative movement 646 may be enabled by a resilient member 652 of the lower frame mount 640. In an embodiment, the lower frame mount 640 includes a bolt and one or more resilient washers that compress when the upward force 620 is applied, thereby reducing stresses on the glass panel assembly 600, and then return when the upward force 620 abates. Alternate embodiments of the lower frame mount 640 include shock absorbers, similar in concept to those on a vehicle. Alternate embodiments of the resilient member 652 include flexible bolts/fasteners, or coil or leaf springs etc.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly 700. In this embodiment, at least one slot outlet 702 is present in the upper frame top wall 722 of the upper frame 704 forms the outlet of the pressure relief path 760.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of the glass panel assembly 700 of FIG. 7 taken at line D-D. A slot inlet 730 in the lower frame bottom wall 728 acts as an inlet of the pressure relief path 760. A gap 762 in the lateral gasket (not visible) provides the passage 774 through the glass panel assembly 700. The slot outlet 702 acts as the outlet of the pressure relief path 760. There may be plural pressure relief paths 760 disposed about the perimeter 764 of the glass panel assembly 700. The straight nature of the pressure relief path 760 provides minimum resistance to the water flowing therethrough. This enables a greater volume of water to be redirected past the transparent panel 108.

A glass panel assembly may include any combination of the above embodiments of the pressure relief paths disclosed above.

FIGS. 9-10 show an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly 900. The glass panel assembly 900 includes plural support frames 902. Each support frame 902 is configured as disclosed in any of the embodiments above. Each comprises an upper frame 904 and a lower frame 906 configured to nest within the upper frame 904 and to define a pocket 908 between the upper frame 904 and the lower frame 906. This embodiment includes plural transparent panels 910, where each transparent panel 910 is sandwiched between the upper frame 904 and the lower frame 906 in a pocket 908 of a respective support frame 902. The glass panel assembly 900 further includes plural flexible connections 920, wherein each flexible connection 920 is disposed between a respective pair of adjacent support frames 902. All, some, one, or none of the support frames 902 may include a respective pressure relief path 960 as disclosed in any of the embodiments above. The various support frames 902 may have the same or different pressure relief paths as each other. Moreover, the flexible connections 920 may include one or more pressure relief holes 922 provided to permit water from below the glass panel assembly 900 to pass through the flexible connection 920, thereby reducing a force exerted on the glass panel assembly 900.

As can be seen in FIG. 11, the flexible connections 920 (shown schematically) cooperate to enable the plural support frames 902, and hence the glass panel assembly 900, to move in a wave motion. This may result from water 930 (e.g. a wave, surge, or a tide) acting on the glass panel assembly 900. This flexibility enables the glass panel assembly 900 to absorb energy than if it were more rigid without being destroyed. The flexible connections can be any component known to the artisan to permit the motion disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the flexible element 920 is a flat metal strip known to be flexible. In an embodiment, the flexible element 920 is a flat strip of aluminum. It is understood that the flexible element 920 will elastically flex up to a point. Should this point be exceeded and the flexible element 920 plastically deforms, the flexible element 920 can simply be replaced. In an alternate embodiment, the flexible element 920 may include a hinge or the like.

In an embodiment, the flexible element 920 may be constructed so that a flow area of the pressure relief path 960 increases when force a above a threshold is applied to the flexible element 920. For example, the flexible element 920 may be sacrificial and include a rupture feature 932 such as a thinned region that will rupture/tear when a wave force above the threshold is encountered. In this way the pressure relief path 960 is a two-stage pressure relief path. In the first stage, water flows through the one or more pressure relief holes 922. In the second stage, the force applied to the flexible element 920 by the water ruptures the rupture feature 932 and this creates a much larger opening through which the water can flow. Since the rupture feature 932 is disposed in only a portion of the flexible element 920, the remainder of the flexible element 920 will hold the adjacent support frames 902 together. After such an event, the sacrificed flexible element 920 could be replaced. This same concept can be applied to the pressure relief paths through the support frames. FIG. 12 is a top view of the glass panel assembly 100 of FIG. 1 installed in a deck 1200 having deck boards 1202. The lower frame 106 may be secured to floor joists or to the deck boards 1202. Likewise, the upper frame 104 may be secured to the floor joists or to the deck boards 1202. The glass panel assembly 100 may be installed in the portrait orientation shown. Alternately, the glass panel assembly 100 may be installed in a landscape orientation or any angle in between.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the glass panel assembly 900 of FIG. 9 installed in a deck 1300 having deck boards 1302. The lower frame 906 may be secured to floor joists or to the deck boards 1302. Likewise, the upper frame 904 may be secured to the floor joists or to the deck boards 1302. The glass panel assembly 900 may be installed in the portrait orientation shown. Alternately, the glass panel assembly 900 may be installed in a landscape orientation or any angle in between. In an alternate embodiment, the deck boards 1302 are dispensed with partly or altogether. In such embodiments, each support frame 902 acts as a deck board. All of the support frames 902 may be secured together so that the entire deck 1300 is composed of one glass panel assembly 900. Alternately, there may be one or more discrete glass panel assemblies 900 that form the entire deck 1300.

FIG. 14 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly 1400. Instead of being a quadrilateral, each support frame can take any shape. In this embodiment, the support frames 1402 are hexagonal. In this embodiment, the flexible element 1420 is different in that the flexible element 1420 is not disposed along an entire length of a side 1404 of the support frames 1402. Instead, the flexible element 1420 connects only corners 1404 of the support frames 1402. This leaves a long space 1406 between various flexible elements 1420 through which water can flow. Hence, this space 1406 acts as part of the pressure relief path 1408. Optionally, a pressure relief hole 1422 is disposed in the flexible element 1420 and is part of the pressure relief path 1408.

FIG. 15 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the glass panel assembly 1500. In this embodiment, the support frames 1502 are diamond shaped. In this embodiment, the flexible element 1520 is disposed along a length of a side 1504 of the support frames 1502. Optionally, a pressure relief hole 1522 is disposed in the flexible element 1520 and is part of the pressure relief path 1508. In addition, spaces 1506 between the flexible elements 1520 become part of the pressure relief path 1508.

The glass panel assembly provides a structural, transparent flooring system that can be used in the demanding marine environment. Its features enable it to withstand wave, surge, and tide action impacting it from below in a manner not previously seen. Hence, it represents an improvement in the art.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the invention herein. Elements of the various embodiments can be substituted with each other. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one support frame comprising an upper frame and a lower frame configured to nest within the upper frame; at least one transparent panel, one transparent panel of the at least one transparent panel being sandwiched in a respective pocket formed between the upper frame and the lower frame; and a pressure relief path configured to direct water through the apparatus, effective to dissipate energy from a wave impacting a bottom surface of the one transparent panel.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through the one transparent panel.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through the at least one support frame.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through the lower frame, then between the at least one support frame and the one transparent panel, and then to the atmosphere.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pressure relief path comprises an inlet through the lower frame, a passage between the at least one support frame and the one transparent panel, and an outlet through the at least one support frame.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the outlet is oriented transverse to the inlet.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one support frame comprises plural support frames, each support frame of the plural support frames defining a respective pocket therein; wherein the at least one transparent panel comprises plural transparent panels, each panel of the plural transparent panels being disposed within a respective pocket; and plural flexible connections, wherein each flexible connection of the plural flexible connections is disposed between a respective pair of adjacent support frames of the plural support frames, and wherein the plural flexible connections cooperate to enable the plural support frames to move in a wave motion; wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through a vented flexible connection of the plural flexible connections.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pressure relief path comprises plural holes through the vented flexible connection.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cushion disposed between the lower frame and the bottom surface of the one transparent panel and configured to cause the one transparent panel to yield downward when an upper surface of the one transparent panel is stepped on.
 10. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a lateral perimeter support disposed between a side edge of a perimeter of the one transparent panel and the at least one support frame, and a gap in the lateral perimeter support through which the pressure relief path passes.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure relief path comprises an inlet between the bottom surface of the one transparent panel and the lower frame, a passage between a perimeter of the one transparent panel and the at least one support frame, and an outlet to the atmosphere oriented transverse to the inlet.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising plural supports disposed in the pressure relief path between the bottom surface of the one transparent panel and the lower frame.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plural supports comprise cushions.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one transparent panel comprises a crowned upper surface.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface comprises an opaque surface.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface comprises a reflective surface.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an upper frame mount configured to secure the upper frame to a fixed structure, wherein the upper frame mount comprises a resilient member configured to permit the upper frame to move relative to the fixed structure in response to the energy from the wave impacting the bottom surface of the one transparent panel.
 18. An apparatus, comprising: plural support frames, each support frame of the plural support frames comprising an upper frame and a lower frame configured to nest within the upper frame and to define a pocket between the upper frame and the lower frame; plural transparent panels, wherein each panel of the plural transparent panels is sandwiched between the upper frame and the lower frame in the pocket of a respective support frame; and plural flexible connections, wherein each flexible connection of the plural flexible connections is disposed between a respective pair of adjacent support frames of the plural support frames; wherein the plural flexible connections cooperate to enable the plural support frames to move in a wave motion.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a pressure relief path configured to direct water through a transparent panel of the plural transparent panels.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a pressure relief path configured to direct water through the apparatus.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through a vented flexible connection of the plural flexible connections.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the pressure relief path comprises plural holes through the vented flexible connection.
 23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through at least one support frame of the plural support frames.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the pressure relief path comprises an inlet on a bottom side of the lower frame of the at least one support frame and an outlet to a gap disposed between the at least one support frame and an adjacent support frame. 